After completing the Creator's trial and earning the approval of the old geezer who came before him, Murphy returned to his loyal homeland as guardian and helmsman of the material universe.
The planet's first gift to welcome him was an all-nighter's worth of work, just like so many nights before.
But from what Murphy had told Mirian, it was clear the Creator knew he shouldn't go wandering freely through the material world while it was still unsettled. That was why tonight's visit had been more of a surprise for those close to him.
By the time dawn came to Transia, Murphy had already returned to the forbidden marshlands. He hadn't even taken the time to see the little players who'd returned to Transia and were still fighting for it.
"You really are heartless. The hottest threads on the forums every day are all about where their great Lord Murphy went. Some of the more radical players have even started organizing an 'Abyssal Space Expedition.' Little Ashina and A-Feng came up with the plan. Your two brave warriors are planning to lead a team into the Abyssal Space to search for your final whereabouts once the astral realm has finished reshaping itself.
"They're convinced that a miraculous leader NPC like you couldn't have died in the Lightless Sea."
Triss brought the all-nighter Murphy a cup of coffee, then teased him:
"If they knew you were back but didn't see them right away, the enthusiastic little players would be so disappointed. Ugh, I feel like throwing up.
"Murphy!
"Is this what they call morning sickness?"
"That's enough!"
Murphy had just taken a sip of coffee, but Triss's deranged question nearly made him spit it out. He glared at the troublemaker and said:
"How could it happen that fast? The Creator's potion works